2023•Applied Physics ResearchOpen access

A Re-understanding of the Zero Result of the Michelson-Morley Experiment

Mei Xiaochun, Canlun Yuan

Open full text 5 citations

Abstract

As well-known that in order to explain the zero result of the Michelson-Morley experiments (M-M experiments), Lorentz proposed the Lorentz formula of coordinate transformation and led to the birth of Einstein's special relativity. The authors carefully re-examine the M-M experiment and find a serious problem. The premise of the M-M experimental calculations was that the light source was fixed on the absolutely stationary reference frame of the universe (or the ether stationary reference frame). However, in the actual experiments, the light source was fixed on the earth motion reference frame, moving and rotating with the interferometers, which lead to the invalid calculation result of the M-M experiment. In this paper, the correct calculation method is used to prove that the zero result of the M-M experiment can be well explained by using the Galilean relativity principle and the Galilean velocity addition rule. Therefore, the most important experimental foundation of special relativity does not exist. The Lorentz coordinate transformation formulas become unnecessary, and the principles of special relativity and the invariant speed of light are unnecessary too. The experimental tests of special relativity are also discussed briefly. It points out that these experiments are either wrong or have other explanations, and the explanations of special relativity are not unique ones. Physics should give up the Lorentz transformation formula and the Einstein's special relativity completely, introduce the cosmic absolute stationary reference frame, and establish the kinetic theory based on the mass-velocity formula which should be considered as an empirical formula, to solve the fundamental problems in astrophysics and cosmology thoroughly.

Open-access reader

About this research paper

What this paper is about

As well-known that in order to explain the zero result of the Michelson-Morley experiments (M-M experiments), Lorentz proposed the Lorentz formula of coordinate transformation and led to the birth of Einstein's special relativity. The authors carefully re-examine the M-M experiment and find a serious problem. The premise of the M-M experimental calculations was that the light source was fixed on the absolutely stationary reference frame of the universe (or the ether stationary reference frame). However, in the actual experiments, the light source was fixed on the earth motion reference frame, moving and rotating with the interferometers, which lead to the invalid calculation result of the M-M experiment. In this paper, the correct calculation method is used to prove that the zero result of the M-M experiment can be well explained by using the Galilean relativity principle and the Galilean velocity addition rule. Therefore, the most important experimental foundation of special relativity does not exist. The Lorentz coordinate transformation formulas become unnecessary, and the principles of special relativity and the invariant speed of light are unnecessary too. The experimental tests of special relativity are also discussed briefly. It points out that these experiments are either wrong or have other explanations, and the explanations of special relativity are not unique ones. Physics should give up the Lorentz transformation formula and the Einstein's special relativity completely, introduce the cosmic absolute stationary reference frame, and establish the kinetic theory based on the mass-velocity formula which should be considered as an empirical formula, to solve the fundamental problems in astrophysics and cosmology thoroughly.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 5 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

As well-known that in order to explain the zero result of the Michelson-Morley experiments (M-M experiments), Lorentz proposed the Lorentz formula of coordinate transformation and led to the birth of Einstein's special relativity. The authors carefully re-examine the M-M experiment and find a serious problem. The premise of the M-M experimental calculations was that the light source was fixed on the absolutely stationary reference frame of the universe (or the ether stationary reference frame). However, in the actual experiments, the light source was fixed on the earth motion reference frame, moving and rotating with the interferometers, which lead to the invalid calculation result of the M-M experiment. In this paper, the correct calculation method is used to prove that the zero result of the M-M experiment can be well explained by using the Galilean relativity principle and the Galilean velocity addition rule. Therefore, the most important experimental foundation of special relativity does not exist. The Lorentz coordinate transformation formulas become unnecessary, and the principles of special relativity and the invariant speed of light are unnecessary too. The experimental tests of special relativity are also discussed briefly. It points out that these experiments are either wrong or have other explanations, and the explanations of special relativity are not unique ones. Physics should give up the Lorentz transformation formula and the Einstein's special relativity completely, introduce the cosmic absolute stationary reference frame, and establish the kinetic theory based on the mass-velocity formula which should be considered as an empirical formula, to solve the fundamental problems in astrophysics and cosmology thoroughly.

Key concepts: One-way speed of light, Principle of relativity, Frame of reference, Physics, Test theories of special relativity, Lorentz transformation, Theory of relativity, Tests of special relativity

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
A Re-understanding of the Zero Result of the Michelson-Morley Experiment — Research Paper | ScholarLens